An Army veteran and Texas police officer was fatally shot during a high-speed chase.

An Army veteran and Texas police sergeant who perished in the line of duty is being celebrated as a hero for averting further calamity.

A suspect attempting to cash a fake check led to the death of Navasota Police Sgt. Mark Butler in a head-on collision, as per the Officer Down Memorial Page.

On January 15th, at 3:00 p.m. on a Wednesday, the College Station Police Department (CSPD) arrived at Prosperity Bank to respond to a forgery in progress.

The female suspect, who was attempting to cash a fraudulent check, fled in a black Jeep Wrangler when approached by officials.

A suspect was traveling in the wrong direction on Highway 6 in Navasota, 24 miles outside College Station, prompting the dispatch of troopers.

At 3:30 p.m., officials stated that Butler, while traveling north, swerved his marked patrol car and collided with the suspect, preventing her from causing further accidents on the highway.

Officials announced that Butler was rushed to a nearby hospital and died there, while the identity of the wrong-way driver, who was declared dead at the crash site, has not been released.

The Bryan, Texas family who spoke to KBTX commended Butler for his bravery and thanked him for saving the lives of other drivers.

"According to Jonathan Crider, if it weren't for the officer's selfless act of giving himself up, they wouldn't have survived the crash."

Crider informed KBTX that while returning from a landscaping job in Cypress, he and his coworkers observed a black Jeep Wrangler speeding towards them. At the last possible moment, Butler steered his patrol vehicle into the path of the oncoming car, preventing it from colliding with Crider's truck and other vehicles nearby.

""Five seconds before the impact, we changed lanes. He didn't swerve or brake, but sacrificed himself to save everyone behind us. I owe my life to him," Crider said."

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is heading the investigation into the crash, while the College Station Police Department is aiding the investigation into the forgery case.

The College Station Police Department expressed their thoughts and condolences to Sergeant Butler's family, colleagues, and the Navasota community during this challenging time.

The death of Butler and Brazoria County Sheriff's Deputy Jesus Vargas, who was shot and killed in the line of duty Wednesday, serves as a poignant reminder of the risks that law enforcement officers face while on the job, according to Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.

"Two Texas law enforcement officers who gave their lives in service to our communities will forever be remembered in our hearts. Please pray for their families as they grieve this great loss."

Texas State Sen. Lois Kolkhorst expressed her condolences on Facebook and stated that the sudden and reckless loss of life is difficult to comprehend.

Sgt. Mark Butler, a Navasota Police officer, tragically lost his life in the line of duty when a woman driving under pursuit crashed into his patrol car. The community is mourning his loss, and I extend my deepest sympathies to his family.

"It is hard to fathom this sudden and reckless loss of life. Those that wear the blue risk so much to protect all of us. … We are reminded of their sacrifices at times like this. He lived his life to serve others." — Texas State Sen. Lois Kolkhorst

"Sgt. Butler, who tragically lost his life while on duty, is being remembered by his loved ones and the Navasota Police Department. We are asked to keep them in our prayers during this difficult time."

The Navasota Police Department had employed Butler, a United States Army veteran, for almost four years, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.

Stepheny Price is a writer for Planet Chronicle Digital and Fox Business. If you have story tips or ideas, you can send them to [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]).